MOSES LAKE - National animal supply chain Petco opened its Moses Lake store on Monday, but not all of its customers that day were of the human variety.

Many Grant County residents also brought their furry companions with them to check out what the new store had to offer, said General Manager Lynn Giraud.

"It's great, we've seen so many puppies so far," she said. "I'm sure we'll be seeing all sorts of pets here real soon too."

Giraud said dozens of pets and their owners visited the chain's North Stratford Road location within the first few hours of the store's opening.

"People were even lined up outside before nine, which is when we open," she said.

Giraud said close to 200 people visited the store the previous day as well, when Petco held its Friends and Family pre-grand opening event.

"We're having a great turnout so far," she said. "It's so exciting to be this busy."

Petco is the first of three retailers to open in the former Food Pavilion building. Ross and Famous Footwear are also expected to share the space.

Giraud said pet owners can come to Petco to find everything they need to care for their pet, including food, medicine, carriers and toys.

"We have all you need to keep your pet healthy and happy," she said. "That's what we're all about here at Petco."

In addition to pet food and supplies, Giraud said customers can buy smaller animals like birds, ferrets, reptiles and fish at the store.

Customers interested in dogs or cats can visit Petco during one of its pet adoption days, she said. The goal of pet adoption days is to help shelter pets find good homes, she said.

Giraud said pets from Grant County Animal Outreach will be featured during the store's various adoption events.

Petco stores around the country also hold similar adoption events, she said.

"It will be a joy to see people come in and meet and play with the animals," said Giraud. "I would rather see people adopt a pet that really needs a home rather than go out and buy their pets."

Giraud also said the Moses Lake Petco operates a full grooming shop.

"So we really have everything to take care of the well being of your pet," she said.

Giraud said she and her staff of about 25 are excited about getting to know pet owners in the area and helping them with their pet needs.

"We're looking forward to being able to service this community," she said. "We're all local and we're all passionate about pets."

Giraud said Petco hosts an animal adoption event this weekend, as part of the store's grand opening events. Animals from the Grant County shelter will be at the store from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday, she said.

Petco provides gift cards to customers on Saturday. The first 100 customers, who are also members of the store's PALS Rewards program, to visit the store receive a $10 gift card, she said.

Petco is located at 911 N. Stratford Road in Moses Lake. The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.